Administrative Assistant Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$42,000
national median salary
$34,000 to $54,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$57,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$44,000
Newark, NJ
Lowest Paying
$31,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Administrative Assistant salary in the United States is $42,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $34,000 at the 25th percentile to $54,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $57,000, while Newark offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Industry and executive level supported are the strongest pay determinants.
Administrative Assistant salary by city
Skills that increase Administrative Assistant pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Administrative Assistants based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $5,880 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$5,880 per year
≈ +$5,460 per year
≈ +$5,040 per year
≈ +$4,620 per year
≈ +$4,620 per year
≈ +$4,200 per year
≈ +$4,200 per year
≈ +$3,780 per year
What you should know
Industry and executive level supported are the strongest pay determinants. Administrative assistants in legal, finance, and tech earn 15 to 25% more than those in education or nonprofit sectors. Proficiency with advanced tools like SAP, Concur, or project management software further boosts earning potential.
Entry-level administrative assistants earn $30,000 to $36,000. Experienced administrative assistants reach $40,000 to $50,000. Senior administrative assistants earn $48,000 to $58,000. The path upward leads to office manager ($52,000 to $70,000) or executive assistant ($60,000 to $92,000) roles.
Bonuses are modest, typically $1,000 to $3,000 annually. Benefits packages often carry significant value, especially at large corporations, including health insurance, retirement matching, and generous PTO. Overtime pay can add 10 to 15% to annual earnings.